Three Falkirk Council recycling lorries have received makeovers thanks to the artwork of local schoolchildren.

Creative efforts from Sara (Larbert High), Aminah (Deanburn Primary) and Ruby (Braes High) were chosen as winners from more than 100 entries to the Waste Services competition.

Launched during COP26 in 2021, the competition challenged local schoolchildren to come up with creative designs that inspire local residents to reduce their waste and recycle more.

The pupils’ bold and colourful designs – themed around recycling and the environment – will adorn the collection vehicles, which cover between 30 and 60 miles per day as part of Falkirk Council's four bin collection service.

Creative solutions

Local schoolchildren were given a design brief and specification, and asked to produce art for the side of the three Mercedes Econic lorries.

Winners were picked from local schools, with categories for primary, junior secondary (S1 to S3) and senior secondary (S4 to S6).

Sara, Aminah and Ruby will each receive a £50 Falkirk Town gift card and goodie bag for their artistic efforts.

The pupils hope to inspire local people to recycle more and reduce waste through their artwork 

Vehicles

Recycling makes a huge contribution to reducing our carbon footprint.

The carbon impact of managing household waste across Scotland in 2020 was equivalent to 5.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (TCO2e). 

In Falkirk, 51.2% of total household waste collected was recycled in 2020 – which equates to a carbon saving of 0.92 tonnes of CO2e per person.

Councillor Paul Garner, Spokesperson for the Environment, said: 

“It’s never been more important to keep our environment clean and tidy. 

“The fantastic artwork from the three winning designers shows how recycling and reducing our waste can improve our streets, towns and open spaces across Falkirk.”

The winning designs impressed the judging panel, who had good things to say about the quality of entries.

Ella Gorman, of Falkirk Council’s Waste Strategy team, said:

“It was extremely difficult to pick just three winners as there were so many brilliant entries.

“The creativity, colours and design highlighted brilliantly how Falkirk’s young people see recycling and this planet, which made it incredibly hard to choose. 

“Thank you to all the schools and pupils for getting involved.”